Hot Jazz Summer

Hot Jazz Summer Brings an Evening of Live Music, Dancing, and more to Austin's Historic Scottish Rite Theater A one-night celebration of hot jazz, swing, dance for beginners and pros takes over one of Austin's most beautiful historic venues on Saturday, August 29.

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Event schedule: 6:00 p.m. – Doors Open with Lobby Music featuring Luke Allen & Shane Dickens 7:00–8:15 p.m. – The Relevators 8:15–9:00 p.m. – Beginner Swing Dance Lesson with Laura Malloy & Matt Jones (Four on the Floor), plus a Jazz Poetry Reading by David "Jelly Moe" Jellema in the lobby 9:00–10:30 p.m. – Golden Hour Orchestra 10:30–11:00 p.m. – Lobby Dance Party featuring DJ Shorty Stumpleton

Austin's vibrant jazz and swing dance community come together on Saturday, August 29, for Hot Jazz Summer, an unforgettable evening of live music, social dancing, dance performances, poetry, and vintage-inspired fun at the historic Scottish Rite Theater (207 W. 18th Street).

Designed for longtime jazz lovers and curious newcomers alike, Hot Jazz Summer invites guests to experience the energy, elegance, and joy of live swing music in one of Austin's oldest and most beautiful theaters. Whether attendees want to dance all night or simply relax and enjoy world-class musicianship, the evening offers something for everyone and makes for a memorable date night, girls' night out, or evening with friends.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with lobby performances by rising Austin jazz musicians Luke Allen and Shane Dickens welcoming guests as they arrive.

The evening continues with The Relevators, whose repertoire spans jazz-age classics, lesser-known gems, and original compositions rooted in the traditions of early American jazz. The band's lineup includes Mark "Speedy" Gonzales of Grammy-winning supergroup Grupo Fantasma, Westen Borghesi of Austin swing favorites White Ghost Shivers, and Hot Jazz Summer co-founders Lauryn and Ryan Gould. Later, the newly expanded Golden Hour Orchestra, a 10-piece "little big band," takes the stage with fresh arrangements of classic swing repertoire inspired by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, Coleman Hawkins, The International Sweethearts of Rhythm, and other jazz legends. Guests who have never swing danced before are encouraged to join the fun during a beginner-friendly dance lesson led by Laura Malloy and Matt Jones of Four on the Floor, making it easy for first-time dancers to step onto the dance floor with confidence.

Throughout the evening, audiences will also enjoy performances by acclaimed tap dancer Matty Owens and Rhythm Ramble Jazz Dance, showcasing the artistry and athleticism of Lindy Hop. During intermission, beloved cornetist / clarinetist David "Jelly Moe" Jellema will present a jazz-inspired poetry reading in the lobby before the evening concludes with a dance party led by DJ Shorty Stumpleton (Westen Borghesi), creator of the legendary Second Sunday Sock Hop. For nearly eleven years, the Sock Hop became one of Austin's most beloved vintage dance parties, introducing generations of Austinites to classic rhythm & blues, soul, rock 'n' roll, ska, and rockabilly.